The Ghanaian winger left Chelsea for Newcastle on loan on summer deadline day.
Christian Atsu has told BBC Radio Newcastle he had offers from overseas before deciding on a loan move to Newcastle United.
The Chelsea winger made his Magpies debut in Tuesday’s 6-0 drubbing of Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, but said it could have easily been somewhere in Spain or France instead.
“Yeah I had had clubs from Spain and also from France but I decided to come to Newcastle,” Atsu told BBC Radio Newcastle on Friday.
The 24-year-old is yet to make a competitive appearance for his parent club, whom he joined just months after Rafa Benitez, now his Newcastle United manager, left his post as Chelsea interim boss in 2013.
And the Spaniard, Atsu admitted, was a big draw when it came to making a decision about his future.
“It’s my option and I’m very happy that I made this decision,” he added. “Newcastle is a big club and for my development, with the coach, I think is the best option for me.
“I spoke with my family and friends and they also gave me the green light.”
Atsu, who admitted a preference to play on the right flank, could make his St. James’ Park bow against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
His move to the north east proceeds spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga, although only in the Netherlands was he afforded regular opportunities.
The Ghanaian, who has 42 caps for his country, was named best player at the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
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